Phil Leadbetter feature at Gibson.com

The piece covers Phil’s early experiences learning teh resonator guitar, his work with JD Crowe, his IBMA awards and teh debut CD with his new performance vehicle, Grasstowne. Since it’s Gibson’s site, of course, they also discuss his signature model Dobro guitar.

Still another jewel in Leadbetter’s crown was the 2003 unveiling of the Phil Leadbetter Signature Series Dobro. "I had always hoped to just get an endorsement, so I was kind of blown away when Gibson approached me," he recounts. "It’s the only real Dobro being made right now, since Gibson owns the Dobro brand.

"When I started playing Dobros, they were making them the same way they were made in 1928, with sound wells. We improved on the design by adding sound posts and baffles, and using solid woods to increase sustain and make the tone richer. I love playing them and I’m really flattered that they’ve become the most popular Dobro out there."

Read the full article at Gibson.com, where you can also download a free Leadbetter MP3 of Moon Racer.

About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.